In His Presence #43: Get Up, Pick Up Your Mat and Walk (Part 3)

In His Presence · #43 · Get Up, Pick Up Your Mat and Walk Mini Series, Part 3 · 03.06.2020

Then Jesus said, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.

John 5:8-9

It is very easy to judge someone and write them off especially if you don’t now know what it means to be in their shoes. The LORD has taught me over the years not to criticize, condemn, judge or write anyone off.

I can only imagine how many times you have been judged and written off by those you confided in, the very friends who ate your bread and by those you stood with during very trying times.

I can only imagine how the very people you defended, fought for, told lies for and even interceded for weren’t there for you in the end when you needed a friend.

I can only imagine how many times you have fasted, cried tears, burned the midnight oil just to stand with your friend or loved one because you wanted to see the LORD do great and mighty things for them. In the end, they walked away when the LORD blessed them. I can only imagine, the sacrifices you have made, loans you have taken out so that you can help those you care about and now when they see your calls, they quickly mute or ignore them like you don’t matter.

I can only imagine, the many times you have travelled for miles just to answer to the need of those who look up to you and gone out of your way to make sure they had something extra to eat and a roof over their heads and now they can’t stand you.

This makes me think deeply about this man at the pool. Where were his loved ones and those who once looked up to him? Where were the people that ate bread with him and those he helped? Why was there no one to help him get into the pool for 38 years? Because, if it had not been for the LORD, he would have been there much longer!

Friend, I know you have been here or even worse. Here is a word of encouragement, do not look up to people, like the man at the pool did. Look up to Jesus who is saying, “Get up, pick up your mat and walk.”

Your Friend,
Pastor Mark A. Odeke
FWTHS – pastormark@fwths.org